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Over two dozen people slept in a park on Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue on Saturday night, after protesters marched through downtown Edmonton on Saturday.

It came after more than 1,000 marched in the local branch of the Occupy Wall Street movement that began in New York City weeks ago.

By Sunday morning, a tent city had emerged, complete with food, arts and medic tents.

Some “occupiers” raked leaves while others played games to keep warm.

Downtown cops said the crowd of protesters were generally well-behaved, but police did monitor the crowd most of the night.

Police said the crowd did get permission from the property’s owner to spend the night.

Kirk Hansen, who had been at the camp since 7 p.m. Saturday night, was one of two people manning the medical tent.

He says the individual reasons for being at the protest vary, but they all share desires for equality, peace and change.

“We all have different perspectives of why we’re here, but I think what this rally is about is discussion,” he said.

The group got some support from a well known figure when David Eggen with Friends of Medicare dropped by to bring some goodies from the Hong Kong bakery to the frozen protesters.

Organizer Michael Thomas told the Sun that “occupiers” are operating on a consensus basis, and will maintain discussions with the land owner to figure out how long the group will stay and what their next move will be.